Building Nuclear Expertise: Saskatchewan Hosts Renowned IAEA Program

CANADA, May 26 - Released on May 26, 2025

Saskatchewan is helping to build nuclear expertise in the region by offering the Canadian National Nuclear Energy Management School (NEMS) at the University of Saskatchewan (USask) this week. This is the first time the world-class, two-week program from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has been hosted in Canada outside of Ontario.

The school is a nuclear-intensive series of courses aimed at mid-level professionals who want to supplement their existing experience with a specific focus on nuclear energy. The program runs from May 26-June 6 on USask campus in Saskatoon and will welcome 50 students from Saskatchewan, Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario and the Northwest Territories. 

“Our government is proud to support the Canadian National Nuclear Energy Management School at the University of Saskatchewan—an internationally respected program that is helping build local expertise and capacity in the nuclear sector,” Minister of Crown Investments Corporation Jeremy Harrison said. “Hosting this IAEA-led training for the first time outside Ontario reflects Saskatchewan’s growing role in advancing nuclear energy. Strategic partnerships with educational institutions and global agencies like the IAEA are essential as we work to attract and train the 2,500 to 3,500 skilled workers needed to support our province’s future in nuclear development.”

With a high level of interest in this program, more than 215 applications were received from across Canada. USask was selected to host because of the College of Engineering's leadership among post-secondary institutions, and the university's world-class nuclear research infrastructure and expertise. The university offers unparalleled opportunities for technical tours and presentations, with facilities such as the Canadian Light Source, which houses Canada's only synchrotron; the Sylvia Fedoruk Canadian Centre for Nuclear Innovation; and the Saskatchewan Centre for Cyclotron Sciences.

"From clean energy to health care and beyond, USask has a long and distinguished history in nuclear science. Hosting NEMS underscores our mission to develop the knowledge, talent and innovation that can build a more sustainable future for all," USask Vice-President Research, Dr. Baljit Singh (PhD) said. "We look forward to hosting changemakers from across Canada during this exciting two-weeks." 

During the two weeks, students will learn about topics such as nuclear security and safety, operation, maintenance and licensing from nuclear experts around the world. Part of the curriculum will also focus on considerations for nuclear power in a greenfield jurisdiction, since Saskatchewan does not currently have nuclear power in its electricity system. Students were required to successfully pass an exam to be considered for registration and will need to pass a test on the last day to complete the program. 

"SaskPower continues to assess nuclear power as a potential option to provide baseload power for a growing province and economy," SaskPower President and CEO Rupen Pandya said. "Building knowledge and staffing capacities is key to support a reliable and affordable electricity grid to power Saskatchewan communities, homes and industries today and into the future."

The Nuclear School of Energy Management is supported by the University of Saskatchewan, SaskPower, Crown Investments Corporation and Prairies Economic Development Canada. 

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For more information, contact:

Media Relations
SaskPower
Regina
Phone: 306-536-2886
Email: mediarelations@saskpower.com

Victoria Dinh
University of Saskatchewan
Saskatoon
Phone: 306-966-5487
Email: victoria.dinh@usask.ca

Communications
Crown Investments Corporation
Regina
Phone: 306-787-7732
Email: communications@cicorp.sk.ca